[ ˌdeɪʊs ɛks'makɪnə , ˌdi:əs ɛks mə'ʃi:nə ]
■ noun an unexpected power or event saving a seemingly hopeless situation, especially as a narrative device in a play or novel.
Origin
C17: mod. L., translation of Gk theos ek mēkhanēs , 'god from the machinery' (with ref. to the actors representing gods suspended above the stage in ancient Greek theatre, who brought about the denouement of the play by their intervention).